UHDB, one of leading national providers of pioneering cancer treatment, helps avid cyclist stay on the road
Graham is one of over 300 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, that has benefitted from an innovative cancer treatment at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB), which reduces painful and life-impacting side-effects from radiotherapy.
He was treated at Royal Derby Hospital using radiotherapy and the SpaceOAR Hydrogel treatment, a cutting-edge method that provides more targeted and effective radiotherapy to the prostate gland. This reduces radiation exposure and damage to the surrounding areas near the bowel, preventing painful side-effects and complications like diarrhoea, stomach pain, bleeding, bowel and bladder incontinence.
78 year old Graham is a retired engineer and avid gardener and cyclist and was diagnosed in 2020 after a general health screening and conversation with his doctor prompted him to get checked because of his high risk for prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 65 and risk factors include race, family genetics, and general lifestyle. After a general health screening and sharing that prostate cancer runs in his family, Graham was offered a PSA test - a blood test that checks for an antigen, which in high numbers, could indicate someone has prostate cancer. Results showed he had a high PSA count, which prompted further hospital tests and a biopsy that confirmed a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Graham recalls his diagnosis and comments, "I didn't experience any signs and symptoms of prostate cancer prior to my initial diagnosis, but a few years ago my brother and grandfather were affected by prostate cancer, so while it was a shock to receive the diagnosis initially, I knew there was a risk there."
"From the time I was diagnosed to receiving the treatment, everything went really smoothly, it was all brilliant."
Graham's biopsy results showed the cancer was aggressive and effective treatment included a course of radiotherapy, which would give him the best possible chance to target and treat the cancer but would also mean he may also experience side effects that could impact his quality of life.
Graham said: "After speaking to Dr Prantik Das, my consultant, about my treatment options he told me about a new type of treatment which involved placing a barrier near the affected area to stop damage and prevent harm to surrounding body parts, and make the treatment more targeted to where the cancer is - I'm an engineer and a practical man, so I was on board with trying an improved treatment that could minimise the impact to the rest of my body. Dr Das said that I would only be the ninth person to have received this treatment so far."
"I was still able to cycle most days throughout radiotherapy treatment and have been able to remain active since then"
What is SpaceOAR and how does it work?
It is a protective gel placed near the prostate, separating it from other areas of the lower bowel and acts as a barrier so that the highest dose of radiation is targeted to the prostate only, resulting in a more effective treatment without affecting and damaging areas near the bowel and bladder and causing long-term damage and side-effects. You can learn more about the SpaceOAR Hydrogel here >.
Dr Prantik Das, the consultant clinical oncologist leading on this treatment, explained, ''People diagnosed with prostate cancer in this country typically have a high chance of surviving cancer, but this often comes at the cost of compromising quality of life after intense and high dose radiotherapy, which means individuals would return to hospital at some point because of the severity of side-effects and unlikely to be able to resume their hobbies, interests and other daily activities."
"With this approach using the SpaceOAR hydrogel, patients no longer have to make that compromise and can still live really good lives with their family and community after beating cancer without the fear and discomfort of long-term side-effects or complications."
Graham reflected on his experience: "From the time I was diagnosed to receiving the treatment, everything went really smoothly, it was all brilliant. Everything happened on time from tests, to getting results back and speaking to consultants, and the treatment itself was all straightforward. The staff were brilliant throughout.
"I was still able to cycle most days throughout radiotherapy treatment and have been able to remain active since then. I have experienced some issues which is to be expected which my consultants and care team are aware of and are working through, but my PSA count remain in good levels".
Dr Prantik Das, said, "UHDB is one of only a few Trusts across the country that offers this type of specialist care, and I am really pleased we can help cancer patients like Graham have a good quality of life after they finish their cancer treatment and return to their hobbies and interests. The side-effect of radiotherapy is usually really unpleasant and can have a big impact on individuals daily routine and can be highly distressing. This cutting-edge approach has drastically changed the landscape of what life after prostate can look like for those diagnosed."
Graham was one of the first patients to access SpaceOAR, but since then University Hospitals of Derby and Burton has treated over 300 patients across the Midlands with this approach.
"We are a national centre of excellence for this procedure and patients request referrals and eligibility to our service from across the region. Last year, the Trust was the second highest provider of SpaceOAR Hydrogel treatment in the country and is a key part of our ambition to explore better and improved ways to delivering good, safe and personalised patient care."
Are you at risk of prostate cancer or experiencing symptoms?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK and more than 47,500 people are diagnosed every year. Individuals most at risk of getting prostate cancer are:
- Aged 65 or over
- If you are Black, your risk for developing prostate cancer and at a younger age
- Genetic factors can increase your risk of prostate cancer, including:
- Male relatives who have had prostate cancer
- Your mother has had breast cancer
- You have inherited certain cancer gene changes
- If you are very overweight (obese)
Symptoms include:
- needing to pee more frequently, often during the night
- needing to rush to the toilet
- difficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy)
- straining or taking a long time while peeing
- weak flow
- feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
- blood in urine or blood in semen
If you are worried about prostate cancer and experiencing symptoms or that you may be at risk, please speak to your GP.
More information and resources
Visit Prostate Cancer UK on more information about signs, symptoms and risk factors > .